Centre approves upgradation of 12,230 km NH

Mangalore, Feb 4 (UNI) The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre has approved the upgradation of 12,230 km of National Highway (NH) connecting North-South and East-West corridors under NH Development Project (NHDP), Union Minister of State for Surface Transport K H Muniyappa said today.

Speaking to newspersons after inspecting progress of the repair works of the Shiradi Ghat and Sakleshpur on the NH-48 here, he said tender for the construction of about 7,300 km stretch of road had been given and was expected to be completed by 2009.

The Minister said the work of four and six lane Golden Quadrilateral connecting four major cities of the country was almost complete.

Mr Muniyappa said the upgradation work of 12,109 km under NDHP Phase III on BOP model was revised to 12,230 km.

The Ministry had also proposed to upgrade single lane to two lane with paved shoulders for over 20,000 km length, which do not qualify for four laning under Phase IV stipulations.

Another major proposal which was under consideration of the Ministry was that of six laning of 6,500 km of NH under phase V at an estimated cost of Rs 41,000 crore, he said.

The Ministry had also another ambitious proposal to take up the construction of 1,000 km stretch of Express Highways under phase VI at a cost of Rs 16,690, he added.

On the Sakleshpur-Shiradi Ghat repair works, the Minister assured that the works would be completed by April this year.

The stretch between Shiradi Ghat and Sakleshpur was damaged very badly due to unprecedented landslide and heavy rains witnessed during last monsoon, he said.

Repair works were delayed due to several reasons, including change in original plan and other complications faced during the progress of the works, he added.

UNI MA MV SBA RR KP2125